W Hotels to debut in Melbourne

W Hotels, the former Starwood luxury brand now operated by Marriott, has unveiled plans to make its debut in Melbourne in 2020.

The new-build property will rise on Collins Street in the city centre, as part of Collins Arch – a major new AU$1 billion (US$765 million) luxury mixed-use development.

Once open, W Melbourne will feature 294 rooms and suites, a bar and restaurant, spa, fitness centre, indoor heated swimming pool and approximately 1,200m² of meeting space, including a ballroom. Designed by New York-based SHoP Architects, the property will also feature many of the ultra-modern aspects that identify the W brand.

“Melbourne, with its vibrant music, emerging fashion and bold street art, is a destination made for the W brand,” said Anthony Ingham, W Hotels’ global brand leader. “Located in the epicentre of the city, W Melbourne will embody the city’s creative spirit while showcasing the brand’s bold and energetic take on luxury.”

Melbourne marks the second W Hotel planned for Australia, following W Brisbane which is scheduled to open its doors in 2018. Globally the brand now has a portfolio of 50 hotels, including the recently opened W Las Vegas and W Goa and the soon-to-open W Shanghai.